Cristiano Ronaldo

Why nominated?

The 2017-18 campaign was another standout season for Portugal forward Ronaldo. Finishing the top scorer in the Champions League with 15 goals, Ronaldo helped drive Los Blancos on to a third successive European crown with victory over Liverpool in Kiev. It was the 33-year-old’s fifth Champions League triumph in total. Portugal suffered a disappointing last-16 exit from the 2018 World Cup in Russia, after which he moved to Juventus in a 112 million euros (£99.2m) transfer.

Luka Modric

Why nominated?

Also part of the Real Madrid side to win the Champions League, Modric went on to guide Croatia to a first appearance in the World Cup final, defeating England along the way. Despite the disappointment of losing to France in Moscow, the energetic performances of the number 10 earned him the Golden Ball as the tournament’s stand-out player. Modric also went on to receive the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award.

Mohamed Salah

Why nominated?

Salah may have seen his hopes of Champions League glory with Liverpool dashed by an unfortunate shoulder injury from a tussle with Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, but the Egypt forward can look back on a superb 2017-18 season. His 32 Premier League goals set a new record, and he also found the net 11 times in the Champions League – including crucial strikes in both the quarter-final against Manchester City and semi-final showdown with Roma. While still struggling for full match fitness in Russia, Salah got himself on the World Cup scoresheet in Egypt’s final group game against Saudi Arabia.